Washington, DC - Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that the $27.4 billion merger of tobacco companies Reynolds American Inc. and Lorillard Inc. would likely harm competition in the U.S. market for cigarettes.

Niland, California - On Tuesday, at approximately 6:45 PM, Imperial County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Siphon 7 area of the Coachella Canal in the Niland Slabs. This was in reference to a report of a female juvenile who had drowned in the canal.

Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Benin as you celebrate the 55th anniversary of your independence on August 1.

Washington, DC - The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms last night’s vicious terrorist attack in the Palestinian village of Douma. The arson attack on a family’s home in the dead of the night resulted in the death of an 18 month-old baby and the injury of three other family members. We convey our profound condolences to the Dawabsheh family and extend our prayers for a full recovery to those injured.